What was Pope Francis’ cause of death?

Pope Francis has died. The pontiff, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on Dec. 17, 1936, passed away on Apr. 21, 2025, at age 88 in Vatican City, marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy. The Vatican announced his death through Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who stated that the pontiff died at 7:35 am CEST at his residence in Casa Santa Marta.

A sometimes controversial figure, Francis spent his time as Pope attempting to widen the scope of the Catholic Church and devoting himself to preaching humility, kindness, tolerance, and showing a willingness to extend God’s love to all, regardless of their faith (or lack of faith!). It’s also notable that Francis devoted himself to his role as leader right up until his death, appearing only yesterday to bless the crowds gathered in St Peter’s Square to mark Easter Sunday

His cause of death

In the wake of his death, we remember Pope Francis as a Pope of peace through his tireless appeals and constant visits to show his closeness to those suffering the consequences of one of the most unjust human-made disasters: war.https://t.co/X8fKvKHJwY

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025

Francis’ death followed a prolonged struggle with chronic respiratory issues and related complications, which had significantly impacted his health in the months and years before his death.

Francis’ health problems stemmed in part from a surgery in his youth that removed part of his right lung, meaning he spent most of his life with reduced respiratory capacity. He was left vulnerable to infections and in the 2020s frequently battled bouts of influenza and bronchitis.

In Feb. 2025, Francis was hospitalized for 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital while suffering from bilateral pneumonia. During this time, he faced multiple respiratory crises, including a critical episode on Feb. 28 when he inhaled vomit, putting immense strain on his lungs. Doctors reported that he required blood transfusions, high-flow oxygen, and non-invasive mechanical ventilation to stabilize his condition. On top of all that, he was diagnosed with early-stage kidney failure.

Francis was discharged on Mar. 23, but his health remained fragile. His public appearance on Easter Sunday, Apr. 20, where he blessed crowds in St. Peter’s Square, was a testament to his resilience and a sign of his determination to fulfill his duties even as the end approached However, the combination of his chronic lung disease, recent pneumonia, anemia, and kidney issues likely overwhelmed his system, leading to his death the following day.

Pope Francis’ passing has left the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics in mourning, with tributes pouring in for his legacy of compassion and reform. His health struggles, particularly the complications from double pneumonia and related conditions, underscore the frailty that even a global spiritual leader couldn’t overcome.